Adair County (November 19, 2018) - On Wednesday, November 14, 2018 Post 15 was notified of a prisoner who had escaped while being transported to an Adair County Court proceeding. Units from the Kentucky State Police and Columbia Police Department responded to assist the Adair County Sheriff’s Department in locating 25 year old William Loy of Columbia but were unsuccessful. On Sunday, November 18th, 2018, Trooper Clint Bale received information that the escapee was possibly armed and staying at a residence on Spring Street in Columbia. Trooper Bale along with several other units responded to the residence and attempted to call Loy out on the P.A. The home owner gave consent to search resulting in Loy being located hiding behind several mattresses. Loy was arrested and charged with escape 2nd degree and resisting arrest. Loy was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail. Trooper Bale was assisted at the scene by the Columbia Police Department, Adair County Sheriff’s Department and Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

On Thursday, November 15th, 2018 Detective Josh Dicken responded to the Taylor County Hospital Emergency Room to speak with a victim regarding an alleged rape that occurred Wednesday night. After collecting evidence and obtaining a statement from the victim, Detective Dicken along with units from the Campbellsville Police Department located the suspect, 33 year Christopher Roark of Louisville, at a residence in the city limits of Campbellsville. Roark was charged with Rape 1st degree; non-related outstanding warrants were executed by the Campbellsville Police Department. Roark was lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center.

Pulaski County Sheriff Greg Speck reports that on November 1, 2018 Samantha Poynter, age 26 of Somerset was arrested in West Palm Beach, Florida. Poynter’s arrest concluded a year-long investigation into a heroin ring operating in Pulaski County. Numerous agencies participated in the investigation including the Somerset Police Department, the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

In December of 2017 Narcotics Detectives with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office developed information that Samantha Poynter, along with numerous other individuals, was currently operating a heroin enterprise in Pulaski County. An investigation started into the drug trafficking organization which ultimately led Detectives to the source of Poynter’s heroin supply in Cincinnati.

The Sheriff’s Office contacted the DEA for assistance and discovered they were familiar with the source of Poynter's supply of heroin.

On January 11, 2018, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office received information that Poynter was on her way back to Somerset, from Cincinnati, Ohio. She was allegedly transporting a quantity of heroin. Law Enforcement officers from the Sheriff’s Office, Somerset Police Department, Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force, and DEA located heroin when they executed a search warrant at her residence later on the same date.

Law enforcement then focused their investigation into the alleged source of the supply of heroin, Stephen Ushery, age 35 of Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr. Ushery, also known as "Vito", had a residence in Pulaski County as well. Surveillance began on the Ushery residence as investigators continued to gather evidence into his drug enterprise. On September 13, 2018, Ushery was traffic stopped on East Highway 80 by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force, and the DEA. Ushery, along with a female in the vehicle, Kimberly Sweeten, age 35, was taken into custody. Ushery had a large amount of cash on his person at the time of the stop. A search warrant was then issued for Ushery’s Rosemont Avenue address in Pulaski County. Upon searching the residence, Detectives located approximately 40 grams of heroin inside of the residence.

Suspects in this case were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in October 2018.

James T. Hargis, Age 31, Somerset, KY – Conspiracy to distribute over 100 grams of heroin

Sheriff Greg Speck stated, “Organizations like these have created drug problems for residents of our community and surrounding communities. Drug traffickers, from other states, with a supply of dangerous drugs infiltrate our neighborhoods with the sole purpose of profiting from the vulnerabilities of drug addicts.” Sheriff Speck also added “We are fortunate enough to have established great relationships with federal agencies, along with local agencies, to fight the flow of drugs. These partnerships are essential to the continued fight to combat the constant flow of heroin and other dangerous drugs, at their source, from entering our community.”

Fourteen civilian employees were honored today by the Kentucky State Police at a ceremony in Lexington highlighting their performance and public service during the past year.

“The Kentucky State Police has a wide array of individuals with diverse talents and skills who contribute to our public safety mission on a daily basis,” said KSP Commissioner Rick Sanders. “Without them, our success would be impossible. I thank each of them for their service.”

Somerset resident Randall J. Adams was named 2018 KSP Civilian Employee of the Year. A 29-year veteran of the agency, Adam is a Police Telecommunicator II at KSP Post 15 in Columbia.

Adams distinguished himself during a 2017 incident when a military veteran, who suffered from PTSD, told his family that he was going to commit suicide somewhere in Cumberland County. Unable to make contact with the subject by phone, Adams left a voice mail message that he was also a veteran and just wanted to help. A short time later, the subject returned the call stating that he had already shot himself in the chest. Through labored breathing, the subject described his surroundings and Adams was able to direct troopers to the location. The subject was transported from the scene and received medical treatment that saved his life.

A Columbia, Ky. native, Adams is a 1978 graduate of Adair Co. High School and a 1983 graduate of Campbellsville University. He is the son of the late Jessie Adams of Columbia and Verlene Adams of Somerset.

With more than 22,000 tons of salt on hand, combined with more than 80 snow plows, salt spreaders, and other equipment ready in Russell, Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, and Wayne counties.

Since October, district crews have been inspecting snow plows, calibrating salt-spreading equipment and developing snowstorm response procedures to keep District 8 state roads passable during inclement weather.

When weather hits, crews are assigned 12-hour shifts to plow and treat roads using a priority system based on the amount and nature of traffic within each individual county. Priority A routes include major through routes and are those most heavily traveled. Priority B routes include other important, but lesser traveled state routes. Other roads fall into Priority C.

The Russell County Ambulance Service in partnership with Russell County Schools, Lindsey Wilson College of Nursing and PHI Air Medical will be conducting a training exercise on Monday, November 19, 2018 at approximately 9:30amCT. The training exercise will include a simulated school bus accident involving another vehicle and several patients. There will be other agencies involved such as the Jamestown Police Department, Jamestown Fire Department, and the Kentucky State Police. This simulated event will occur near the Russell County Ambulance Station on Ferco Way in Jamestown. This will be a training exercise that will provide students with a hands on, real world “Mock” emergency. All agencies involved strive to provide a learning environment that will prepare students for true emergencies they may encounter as future healthcare providers. This event is a training exercise only, and there is no reason for concern or alarm. Thank you for your encouragement and support of our youth.

(Adair County, KY November 17, 2018) - Trooper Daniel Forbis is investigating a two vehicle collision that occurred November 16th, 2018 at approximately 8:29amCT in the limits of Columbia at the intersection of North KY 55 and the Veteran’s Memorial Highway. Charles Shirley, age 75 of Columbia, was traveling south on KY 55 in a 2005 GMC truck. Shirley was slowing down for a red light when his vehicle was struck in the back by a 2015 Chevy Tahoe being operated by Brandy Hancock, age 40 of Greensburg. Both occupants were wearing a seat belt. Shirley was treated and released from TJ Health Columbia Hospital. Trooper Forbis was assisted at the scene by Adair County EMS.

There is a Boil Water Advisory in Russell County on Dowell Rd, Charles E Peck Rd, Steve Dr and Joe T Petty Dr. for anyone who was without water due to a water line break. The Advisory is until further notice.

A Russell Co. man accused of shooting and killing his step-cousin last month was in court on Wednesday.

At a preliminary hearing on November 14, 2018 in front of Judge Scarlett Latham, 42-year-old Jason W. Clark had his case waived to the grand jury. Clark is charged with Murder in the shooting death of 35-year-old Brandy Johnson on Oct. 28, 2018 outside of Coe’s Steakhouse in Russell Springs, KY where she was a waitress.

Clark pled not guilty earlier this month. His bond remains at $1 million. Police said Clark bought the gun the same day of the shooting with the intent to kill Brandy Johnson. According to Kentucky State Police, Clark confessed to the shooting.

An Adair County inmate escaped last night while being transferred from the Adair Judicial Center to the Adair County Regional Jail.

According to police, the inmate escaped just before 11:00pmCT Tuesday night. He is 25-year-old William Loy, who is 5’6” tall, weighs 140 pounds and has brown hair. Loy was last seen wearing a red & black jacket and no shoes. If you have any information on Loy’s whereabouts, call 911.

November is recognized as American Diabetes Month here in the United States. November 14th is World Diabetes Day across the globe. County Judge Executive, Gary Robertson, has signed a Proclamation declaring November 14th as Diabetes Awareness Day in Russell County. If you have diabetes, take steps today to improve your control -- it is not always easy, but it is worth it! If you don’t have diabetes, talk to your health care provider to see if you are at risk. For additional information about diabetes contact your local health department and speak to the diabetes educator.

Columbia Police are investigating a bomb threat to the Adair Judicial Center.

On Tuesday, November 13, 2018 at 11:54amCT, Adair County 911 received a call that the Adair Judicial Center would blow up in 20 minutes. Court Security Officers along with the Sheriffs Department and Columbia Police, immediately began evacuating the building. The Columbia-Adair County Fire Department and other emergency services were placed on standby. Officers conducted a search of building and the building was reopened in approximately 1 hour. Circuit Court was in session at the time of threat.

Once the building was opened, Officers turned their focus toward the origin of the call. Officers were able to track down the call and after investigation determined that 36-year-old Nathan James Popplewell of Jamestown, KY had purchased a non-contract phone on Tuesday morning and placed the call. The call was an attempt to keep his wife from appearing in court as she was on the docket for 1pm.

Popplewell was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail by Columbia Police Sgt. Jr Murphy who was assisted by Sgt Gary Roy. Popplewell was charged with Terroristic Threatening 1st degree. The charge is a Class C felony and can carry a sentence of a minimum 5 years up to 10 years if convicted.

At approximately 11:33amET, KSP received a call of the 2-vehicle collision on Campbellsville Road (KY 210) in Larue County. Joseph Bell (29) of Radcliff was traveling east on Campbellsville Road in a 2012 Honda Accord. Jose A. Gonzalez-Tigane (31) of Louisville was traveling west in a semi-tractor trailer on Campbellsville Road. For unknown reasons Bell crossed the centerline and into the path of Gonzalez-Tigane’s vehicle.

Bell and a passenger, Jeffery Holtzclaw (33) of Radcliff, KY, were pronounced dead at the scene by the Larue County Coroner’s Office. Gonzalez-Tigane was not injured. The affected area of Campbellsville Road was shut down for approximately 4 hours to allow troopers to investigate the collision.

The collision is still under investigation by Trooper/Reconstructionist Brandon Brooks.

Pulaski County Sheriff Greg Speck warns the residents of Pulaski County of a scam that has affected some members of the community.

The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office has had two complaints today (Tuesday). In this scam, the caller will tell people that they have missed a court date; failed to show up for Jury Duty; or failed to appear at a Grand Jury hearing. They will usually want you to buy prepaid credit cards, such as Green Dot cards. The scammer will give a phone number for you to call. When you call, the scammer will ask you to read the numbers off the card. When you do this, they have your money. The scammer uses threats to make you think you have no other option but to pay or you will be arrested. Today’s incidents involved the scammers telling the potential victim that they are from the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office. You should know that the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office does not operate that way.

Sheriff Speck advises the public to “NOT SEND MONEY OR ANYTHING OF VALUE TO THESE INDIVIDUALS!” “DO NOT GIVE YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, OR ANY OTHER PERSONAL INFO. TO ANYONE OVER THE PHONE". You should contact authorities in the area (law enforcement) to ascertain the validity of any call like this. Authorities would not contact you by phone to get money to keep someone out of jail.

Since many of these scam operations are located outside the continental United States, prosecution or recovery of the victim’s money is very difficult.

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky is on track to get $2.5 billion as part of a 20-year-old Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

According to KNN, since the first payment in 1999, Kentucky has collected more than $2 billion under the agreement reached by the tobacco industry and state attorneys general. According to Kentucky's Attorney General, the Settlement Agreement has helped early childhood education, health programs, cancer research and more. Kentucky received $102 million in April and is on pace to collect another $5 million over the next five years, bringing the total for Kentucky to nearly $2.5 billion.

A bomb threat was called into the Adair Judicial Center today (Tuesday) and a Russell Co. man has been arrested in connection with the threat.

According to Columbia Police Dept. Sgt. Jr. Murphy, the bomb threat was called in around 11:00amCT. A Jamestown, KY man was taken into custody just after 2:00pmCT in connection with the threat. 35 year old Nathan James Popplewell was arrested in the City Hall parking lot (across the street from the Judicial Center) and charged with Terroristic Threatening, 1st degree. A female, Yevonda Popplewell, was arrested on a bench warrant. According to police, the Popplewell's were scheduled to appear in Adair Circuit Court on Tuesday. Both were lodged in the Adair Co. Detention Center by Sgt. Murphy, who was assisted by Sgt. Gary Roy and the Adair Co. Sheriff's Office.

(Casey County, KY November 12, 2018) - On November 11, 2018 at approximately 9:38 AM EST Trooper Zach Scott, Deputy Chad Weddle, and Liberty Police Chief Steve Garrett responded to a residence 10 miles north of Liberty on Neff Road after receiving information that a stolen Ford truck was parked at that residence. When units arrived Trooper Scott observed the possible suspect, 20 year old Joseph Cooper of Liberty, flee from the residence. Trooper Scott apprehended and arrested Cooper charging him with receiving stolen property under $10,000, fleeing or evading police, 1st degree, (on foot), menacing, resisting arrest, criminal mischief 1st, criminal mischief 3rd, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Cooper was lodged in the Casey County Detention Center.

3 vehicles were involved in an injury accident in Liberty, KY on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018.

It happened around 12:00pmET at the intersection of Wallace Wilkinson Blvd & Scanion Drive. The accident involved a Chevy Silverado Pick Up, an SUV, and a Mercedes car. Two Casey County EMS units responded, along with local law enforcement. No other information has been made available.

There is an accident this morning (Tuesday) on KY 49, about 1 mile out of Liberty. No injuries, however, the truck is in a dangerous position. Please use extra caution!

***UPDATE...

Wet road conditions led to a single vehicle accident near Liberty early this morning. The accident happened shortly after 5am on KY 49, about a mile out of Liberty. The driver of a Ford Ranger pickup failed to negotiate a curve and went into the ditch, blocking one lane of travel. No injuries were reported.

Preliminary investigations indicate that 21 year-old Aaron Richey of Glasgow was operating a 2018 GMC box truck traveling west on Cane Valley Mill Road, when his vehicle malfunctioned causing him to enter the path of a 2019 Peterbilt being operated by 32 year-old Mitchell Hughes of Bowling Green. Richey’s vehicle struck the side of the semi-trailer causing the vehicle to run off the roadway striking the guardrail. The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours causing motorists to detour onto Cane Valley Road.

Richey was wearing his seat belt and was not injured. Hughes was wearing his seat belt, he was treated and released at the scene by the Adair County EMS.

Officer First Class Casey Tooley is investigating and was assisted at the scene by KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement units, units from Post 15 Columbia, Adair County Sheriff, Fire, EMS and Rescue.

Kentucky State Police are currently on the scene of a 2-vehicle injury collision involving commercial motor vehicles at the intersection of KY55 and KY633. The roadway has been closed to allow for crews to clean up the collision scene. All motorists are being detoured onto Cane Valley Road and back onto KY55. The road is estimated to be closed for up to 4 hours. Once the roadway is open, WAVE News will have more information.

(Russell County, KY November 12, 2018) – Trooper Zach Scott is investigating a 2-vehicle collision that occurred Friday, November 9, 2018 at 4:37pmCT approx. 3 miles south of Russell Springs at the intersection of KY 92 and KY 379. Kyle Dalton, 26, of Russell Springs, KY was traveling south on KY 379 in a 2013 Nissan Rogue when he slowed down to turn into a parking lot. Rodney Snow, 69, of Jamestown, KY was also traveling south on KY 379 in a 2006 Trailblazer; he failed to observe Dalton had slowed down and struck the back of Rogue's vehicle.

Dalton and Snow were wearing seatbelts and were treated and released from the Russell County Hospital. Trooper Scott was assisted at the scene by Trooper Allen Shirley, Russell County EMS, and the Russell County Sheriff’s Department.

An Adair County woman was arrested last week following a traffic stop.

On Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018 at approximately 4:13pmCT, Columbia Police Officer Drew Conn initiated a traffic stop on a red 1994 Mustang on KY 55 north. As a result of the stop and investigation, Officer Conn called for assistance from Officer John Dial and his K-9 "Gunner". A positive hit was made by the K-9 and a search of the vehicle revealed methamphetamine, digital scales, syringes and additional separate baggies.

Jessica Parson, 25, of Columbia, KY was placed under arrest on charges of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree (methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Officer Drew Conn is continuing the investigation.

The temporary closure of KY 910 in Russell County originally set to begin Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 has been postponed and will now begin on Monday, Nov. 19.

The route will be temporarily closed to through traffic beginning at KY 3525 (Gosser Ridge Road) and extending to the intersection of East Mt. Eden Road (mile point 6.5).

The closure is to allow crews to make the necessary improvements to the existing bridge structure for the ongoing Cumberland Parkway/KY 910 interchange project. The closure will be in place until all necessary work is completed on the structure. Signed detour routes will be posted via KY 80 and KY 910.

The closure date may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Motorists can access travel and traffic conditions at http://goky.ky.gov or contribute their own reports at www.waze.com or via the Waze mobile application.